Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 101662 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 508(@200wpm)___ 407(@250wpm)___ 339(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101662 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 508(@200wpm)___ 407(@250wpm)___ 339(@300wpm)
“It is afternoon, Mom,” she said. “Lena’s making us brunch.”
Was it already noon? Had I slept in that long? “I could’ve made brunch,” I urged, looking over to Lena, who had enough nerve to smile at me as if she wasn’t sleeping with my husband. Husband being a term I was using very loosely.
“It’s not a problem. I love spending extra time here,” Lena said. “You’re my favorite family that I’m able to cook for.”
I bet we are, Lena.
I walked over to the coffeepot and filled a big mug for myself.
“Get me one, too, will you?” Henry requested. I did as he said and slid it over to him. He looked up toward me with a big grin. “You look like shit.”
“Dad,” Ava said, “that’s mean.”
“Yeah, that’s mean,” I echoed. “I was up late.”
“Doing what?”
“Sketching,” I said.
“Are you making more fashion sketches?” Ava asked. “You haven’t done that in a long time.”
“Yeah. I guess watching you sketch your architectural designs inspired me to get back into it.”
“But hers could lead to a profession. Yours are just doodles,” Henry said, undercutting her. That was his favorite pastime—downplaying whatever I loved.
“Hey now, be nice. Kierra is an amazing designer. I’m hoping she makes me an original piece one day,” Lena said, winking my way as she headed around the corner to the pantry.
I wanted to vomit from her wink. The last person I needed to back me up was the woman who was sleeping with my husband. Oddly enough, what bothered me most was that they used my bed. We had a whole guest room where their scandal could’ve taken place. I bet Henry got off on the idea of it though—having another woman on my side of the bed.
Henry and Ava headed out of the kitchen to give Lena space to cook. While she was in the pantry, I hurried upstairs to grab the jewelry I’d found. Then I headed back to the kitchen.
“Thanks for making brunch, Lena,” I said as I walked toward her.
She turned my way with a vibrant smile. “Not a problem. I was going to make maple-glazed bacon for you. I know you love that.”
“Wow, thank you. That’s so sweet. Also, I think I found one of your earrings.” I held it out toward her.
Her eyes widened with excitement. “Oh my goodness, I thought I lost this. Thank you, Kierra.”
“Not a problem at all,” I smiled sweetly. “I found it in my bedsheets.”
Lena’s facial expression filled with shock as the words rolled off my tongue. She parted her lips to speak, but nothing came out at first.
I kept smiling, even though a part of me was breaking. Sure, I didn’t love my husband, but I really, really loved Lena. I felt blindsided by that betrayal.
“Kierra…” she whispered. Seeing her eyes flood with tears was enough of a confession for me. I didn’t need to hear more, but I deserved to hear more. “I’m so sorry about that. We… I–I don’t know what to say.”
“Just say you’re sleeping with my husband in my bed while smiling in my face and making me maple-glazed bacon.”
“It’s complicated.”
“It’s not. You slept with my husband. That’s the least complex thing ever to exist.”
“He said… He said you two weren’t happy.” The tears began to flow down her cheeks, and I hated her for crying. What did she have to be sad about? Not only was she paid well for her services, but she also was getting bonuses from my husband. If anything, she should’ve been thrilled. A solid paycheck and orgasms. A win-win.
“Oh, okay. That’s good to know. I just wasn’t aware that my unhappiness opened up the right for you to sleep with him in my bedroom.”
“I didn’t mean for it to happen. It was an accident.” She lowered her head and wiped away her tears. “I can quit if you’d like—”
“Yes,” I cut in. “I’d like that. After you finish Ava’s eggs Benedict. She loves them.”
She nodded. “Right. Of course. Not a problem.”
I started to walk off but turned toward her. “Lena?”
“Yes?”
“We’re not happy, Henry and me. But I did have the stupid idea that you and I were friends. I think that’s what hurts the most.”
We all ate brunch together. I pretended I was okay, and Lena pretended that she wasn’t going to quit within the next few hours.
I spent the remainder of the day with Ava, reading our novels and discussing them during snack breaks. That brought me the comfort I needed the most. Whenever I felt lost and alone, that girl brought me home again with her laughter and love.
13
Kierra
I hated flowers.
My husband’s apology of choice was always flowers. Roses, to be specific.
Henry grew up in an unstable home. Sometimes, I wondered if that was why he was the way he’d been toward me. So hot and cold. His father was abusive toward his mother and beat her until the day he died. During a night of drinking, Henry once told me he was happy his father was dead so his mother could finally live a happy life. He told me he’d lived his whole life being afraid of the man who raised him. It wasn’t often that my husband shared his emotions with me. He hardly talked about how he grew up. His most tender moments came when he was drunk, as if he didn’t even realize he was letting his shields down.